Grading & Drainage: Orland Park vs Skokie
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Orland Park, IL and Skokie, IL?
Orland Park and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park requires that grading and drainage on private property not adversely affect neighboring properties or Village streets and storm sewers. A grading permit may be required for substantial earthwork. The Village enforces drainage complaints under property maintenance and stormwater rules. Sump pump discharge to Village streets is regulated.
View full Orland Park rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie requires that lot drainage be managed so that stormwater flows to public streets, alleys, or storm sewers and does not adversely affect neighboring properties. Grading plans are reviewed by Public Works and Community Development for new construction, additions, and major landscaping projects. Alterations that redirect water onto neighbors violate the municipal code.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Orland Park | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Away from foundation | - |
| Sump to Sanitary | Prohibited | - |
| Downspout Distance | 5+ ft from foundation | - |
| Permit | Required for major earthwork | - |
| Public Works | (708) 403-6350 | - |
| Positive Drainage | - | Away from structures |
| Neighbor Drainage | - | Cannot redirect harmfully |
| Downspouts | - | Not to sanitary sewer |
| Retaining Walls | - | Engineered over 4 ft |
| Minimum Slope | - | 2% from foundation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Orland Park FAQ
Can I regrade my Orland Park property?
Minor lawn grading is fine, but substantial regrading or fill that affects drainage requires a building or grading permit. The result must not divert runoff onto neighbors or Village streets.
Where can my sump pump discharge?
To the lot surface, a rear-yard swale, or an approved storm sewer connection. Discharge to the sanitary sewer is prohibited. Discharge that creates ice hazards on sidewalks may be cited.
My neighbor's drainage is flooding my yard. What can I do?
Contact Code Enforcement at (708) 403-6150 to investigate. Concentrated runoff diversion is a code violation. Civil remedies may also be available for property damage.
Skokie FAQ
Do I need a permit to regrade my yard?
Major grading, retaining wall construction, or projects that change drainage patterns may require a permit. Minor landscaping without altered drainage typically does not. Contact Community Development before significant projects.
My neighbor's drainage is flooding my yard. What can I do?
Report to Skokie Public Works at (847) 933-8427. The Village can investigate whether modifications violate drainage rules. Civil remedies are also available through private legal action.
Where should my sump pump discharge?
To your own property, ideally toward the street, alley, or storm inlet. It may not connect to the sanitary sewer, and the discharge cannot be concentrated onto neighboring property.
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